Nathan Ake picked up a serious injury while playing for the Netherlands in the Nations League match against Germany on Wednesday, September 11. It seemed like a hamstring problem as the Manchester City defender was seen holding the back of his left leg in agony.
Ake picked up the unfortunate injury while chasing the ball in the opposition half. The 29-year-old appeared to be in much pain as he was struggling to get back on his feet. The match referee immediately sought assistance from the medical team. Ake was unable to continue further and was replaced by Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber.
After the National League fixture in Amsterdam ended in a 2-2 draw, Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman addressed Ake’s injury during the post-match press conference. According to him, the defender will need to undergo some tests in order to determine the severity of his injury. “It looks like a muscle injury for Nathan, though I am not certain,” Koeman said, as quoted by The Athletic.
If Ake remains out of action for a long period, it can become a major problem for Manchester City. Following the international break, Pep Guardiola’s side has a busy schedule ahead. They are slated to host Brentford in a Premier League fixture on September 14.
Just four days later, the reigning English champions will kick off their campaign in the new-look Champions League with a home match against Inter Milan. In the following weekend, Manchester City will face Arsenal in a crucial league game away from home.
Pep Guardiola is expected to share an update about Nathan Ake’s injury when he speaks to the media ahead of the home game against Brentford. The Dutch footballer has been a mainstay for Manchester City over the past few seasons. He featured in 44 matches across all competitions during the 2023-24 campaign.
Ake shifted his base to Manchester in the summer of 2022 after parting ways with fellow English club Bournemouth. He has suffered a hamstring injury on several occasions during his time at the Etihad Stadium. Even in the last season, Ake was forced to skip four matches for his club due to a calf injury.
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